I am excited to announce Krissy Love as the August Volunteer of the Month! I have the great privilege of working with Krissy on Thursday PMs since she started in January 2020. Not only is Krissy the fearless Shift Lead on Thursdays, but she’s also fearless when it comes to snow or extra work.

This winter she braved each and every snow day on her three day weekend to come to SAFE and help the staff care for the horses and even roped her family into helping too. When over night I suddenly had a shift without a Lead and only one remaining volunteer, Krissy stepped up and filled in as a Lead (on a Friday night!) until we were able to fill the team with more volunteers and find another Shift Lead. As if that wasn’t enough, she’s also a really cool chick. Krissy is always positive, excited to be at the barn and I enjoy hearing stories about her recent adventures. She is a joy to be around and we are very lucky that she found SAFE.

How and when did you first get involved with horses?

I have loved horses forever.  I was lucky as a child to have family that i visited every Summer that owned horses. So every year i could learn a little more about them.

What do you like most about volunteering at SAFE?

I am lucky to work at Rose Hill Middle School. A few years ago I set up a field trip for a class  to visit SAFE.  That is when I learned about the volunteering opportunities. I signed up as soon as I could and have loved every minute of it. The staff at SAFE is so helpful and the other volunteers are so hardworking.  I love seeing the progress in all the horses as the staff and other volunteers work so carefully with each of them to get healthy and happy. I just feel good every time I am on the property.

Do you have a favorite SAFE horse? If so, why?

I was really fond of Beauty.  She was so sassy and fickle that it was always fun to see if she would want any attention from me on Thursday afternoons or not 🙂

What do you do when you are not horsing around with us?

SAFE is for sure my most enjoyable place to be. Other things I love to do would be anything outdoors.  I climb/boulder a few times a month.  Hike or walk with my pup Indie and anyone who might want to tag along with us. COVID has introduced Kayaking to my life which I also really find peaceful.

Do you have family or special people in your life who support your volunteer work that you want us to mention in your write up?

One of the things I love about the opportunity to volunteer at SAFE is that I can bring in guest volunteers.  I often have people ask about trying it. So it is nice to be able to invite them to tag along. So far my friend Pam has joined me for one shift, as well as my husband, John, and my two son’s, Jake and Kyle, They have helped me many times on holidays or snow days when others may not be able to make it in. They enjoy the horses, but recognize the hard work all the volunteers put in.